Dayton, OH – Ss Druidstone used a perfect pocket trip and sprinted past the pacesetting Johnny Up in the lane to win the $20,000 conditioned claiming featured event on Thursday (Oct. 1) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Driver Luke Ebersole had Ss Druidstone in an early battle with Johnny Up (driven by Tyler Smith) in the first eighth of the mile, with the later finally drawing clear at the :26.4 opening quarter.
The top five positions remained unchanged at the :56.2 half and 1:23.3 three-quarters.
As the field of nine rounded the final turn, Ss Druidstone received his cue and sprinted past the tiring leader, crossing the line in 1:52, scoring a 13-1 upset.
Johnny Up was 2-lengths back in second and Boardwalk Jack (Austin Hanners) rallied from midpack to pick up the show spot.
Ss Druidstone picked up his seventh career win.
Danny Dubeansky trains the 4-year-old gelded son of Downbytheseaside for Brian Witt.
Driver Luke Hanners picked up four wins on the 14-race card, vaulting to the top of the Dayton Raceway drivers’ standings.
The 25-year-old reinsman scored with Rock The Hill (1:51.4), Out To Get Lucky (1:51.2), Jimmy L (1:50.1) and Charge Me Up (1:51.1).
Kayne Kauffman and the Smith brothers – Tyler and Trevor Smith – had driving doubles.
Friday’s 14-race card, featuring eight $25,000 Buckeye Stallion Series consolations, will kick off at 4 p.m. (EDT).
Saturday’s $1.7 million stakes card is highlighted by the Dayton Derbies. Several of North America’s top horses will compete, including Super Chapter ($2.8 million in career earnings), On To Norway ($1.2 million), Lexus Kody ($2.2 million), Ervin Hanover ($1.5 million), Coaches Corner ($1.7 million), Yo Tillie ($1.4 million) and Twin B Joe Fresh ($3.1 million).
Saturday’s first post will be at a special time, 6:30 p.m. (EDT).